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In the news
National survey predicts growing shortage of primary care physicians

A new report from the Physicians’ Foundation says in the next three years nearly half of all the nation’s primary care physicians plan to stop practicing or reduce the number of patients they see. more …

Obama names Daschle HHS secretary

Former Sen. Tom Daschle has been chosen to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid. Many see President-elect Obama’s pick as indicative of the overhaul-to-come of the country’s health care delivery and insurance system. more …

Texas’ CMS Quality Improvement Organization wants to optimize your EHR

TMF Health Quality Institute is seeking physician practices to participate in a CMS quality improvement project at no charge. more …

AAFP guide gives how-tos of group visits for overweight and obese

Group visits to promote better fitness can provide better access to health care at lower costs as well as improve quality of care and patient satisfaction, says AAFP. Find out how to implement group visits in your practice through a new guide. more …

TMA releases new immunization toolkit for adolescents

Now available, physicians can access a comprehensive guide to adolescent immunizations that contains best practices for improving vaccination rates, patient education materials and more. The immunization toolkit for adolescents is a compliment to TMA’s immunization toolkit for children, both available to physicians at no cost. more …


TAFPPAC-endorsed candidates win elections

Health care issues played major roles in national and statewide races, setting the stage for TAFP’s advocacy platform during the upcoming 81st Texas Legislature. more …

Report: Health insurance premiums outpace earnings for Texas workers

Insurance premiums rose almost 87 percent from 2000 to 2007 for working families in Texas, according to a recent study by Families USA. Median wages in Texas increased just 15 percent over the same period as health costs consume a growing portion of family budgets. more …

Sign up to serve as Physician of the Day at the Texas Capitol in 2009

Show legislators the value of family medicine firsthand by serving as a Physician of the Day during the 81st Legislative Session. This program brings a family physician to staff the Capitol Health Clinic each day and is only open to TAFP member physicians with valid, unrestricted medical licenses. more …

TMF Health Quality Institute seeks physician practices for diabetes project

Improve early detection and management of diabetes by participating in a statewide project with the TMF Health Quality Institute that brings onsite consultants to your practice to provide education and coaching. more …

NPI releases the 2009 CME schedule

Get the scoop on new programs and services

Improve early detection and management of diabetes by participating in a statewide project with the TMF Health Quality Institute that brings onsite consultants to your practice to provide education and coaching. more …

Blue Cross makes patients’ out-of-pocket health costs available to physicians

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ automated systems that give physicians access to member eligibility and benefits will now include information on how much the patient will pay at the time of service, according to an announcement from BCBSTX. more …

Read the latest immunization news from DSHS

Access the latest DSHS influenza advisory, plus read about a ranking jump for Texas child immunizations and sign up to receive DSHS e-mail updates. more …

2009 Doctors in Motion online registration is now open

Online registration is now available for the 2009 Doctors in Motion conference in Crested Butte, Colo. Jan. 16-21. New this year: each day will feature one in-depth clinical focus, allowing attendees to delve further into the most popular primary care topics. Read more about the topics and our updated registration process.
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Primary Care Coalition releases new report that examines Texas’ broken health care system

TAFP and its partners in the Primary Care Coalition released a report today that details Texas’ broken health care system and gives recommendations for how we can mend it. The answer? Invest in primary care. more …

HHS announces deadline for transition to ICD-10 codes

Within three years, physicians must transition to a set of procedure-reporting codes containing more than 10 times the amount of combinations currently available. With the new codes come new electronic transaction standards. Read more about these provisions and why some groups say we need more time to make the switch.
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CMS: 2007 PQRI feedback reports now available

Physicians who reported PQRI quality measures to Medicare can now access the 2007 feedback reports.
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Learn about vaccines at the Texas Immunization Summit 2008

Register today to attend the 2008 Texas Immunization Summit sponsored by the Houston Area Immunization Partnership and learn more about executing the mission of public health while also keeping your business viable. more …

Affected by Ike? Assistance available from AAFP, possibly available from Congress

Family physicians affected by Hurricane Ike can apply for aid from AAFP to rebuild their practices. Others in Texas who treated uninsured Ike evacuees may be able to file claims for payment if Congress approves administrative funds. more …

Say “yes” to the work of the AAFP Foundation through dues check-off

When you renew your 2009 AAFP membership dues, consider supporting the mission of the AAFP Foundation by “checking-off” the $50 amount on the application. The AAFP Foundation supports many TAFP initiatives including Hard Hats for Little Heads and the Student and Resident Conference. more …

TAFP member talks about “STDs and everyday people” in book

Jill Grimes, M.D., a family physician in Austin, will release a book in the fall called “Seductive Delusions: How Everyday People Catch STDs,” which details stories and facts about how even “beautiful, educated people” can hear the dreaded diagnosis that they have an STD. more …

Two TAFP members to run for TMLT board, policyholders vote by mail in October

Austin TAFP members Kurt Frederick, M.D., and James Merryman, D.O., have put their names in the running to serve on TMLT’s Board of Governors. TMLT policyholders will be able to vote for them by mailed ballot in October. more …

Rabies vaccine supply restricted, physicians must have approval before ordering and using some vaccines

Due to shortage announcements from two large vaccine manufacturers, physicians will have to be judicious in their use of rabies vaccinations until the supplies are replenished. more …

AAFP sends comments to reinstate loan deferment programs for medical residents

Medical students wishing to enter family medicine residencies may be further discouraged from the specialty if a rule goes into effect next year eliminating the physician loan deferment program. more …

Family physicians raise awareness of mitochondrial diseases

Because mitochondrial diseases can afflict patients from birth to middle age, typically affect several organ systems and have varied symptoms, family physicians are arguably the most important health care professionals in diagnosing these disorders. Learn more about mitochondrial diseases during National Mitochondrial Awareness Week, Sept. 21-27. more …

AAFP Scientific Assembly report: Mabry elected as AAFP Speaker

TAFP members made bold moves at AAFP’s Scientific Assembly in San Diego this year as Leah Raye Mabry, M.D., R.Ph., became AAFP Speaker, Roland Goertz, M.D., M.B.A., announced his candidacy for AAFP President-elect, and Janet Realini, M.D., M.P.H., received the AAFP Public Health Award. more …

Rural physician describes his "working life" in Texas Monthly

Ben Edwards, M.D., of Post describes life in rural practice in the September edition of Texas Monthly. Through a first-person account, Edwards hits on many of the troubles facing rural physicians as well as his unwavering dedication to his community, his patients and his family. more …

Registration extended for AAFP’s Practice Enhancement Forum

Final registration for AAFP’s Practice Enhancement Forum has been extended to Monday, Sept. 29. Sign up your practice’s team of three to upgrade, enhance and revitalize your practice through the three-step program. Now, participants can choose the clinical topic of most relevance to your practice: asthma, CAD, COPD, diabetes or geriatrics. more …

Physicians to receive incentives for electronic prescribing through 2013, penalties starting in 2012

Prepare your practice for approaching electronic prescribing mandates in Medicare and earn bonuses while they last to offset the cost of implementation. more …

Report on the 2008 Leadership & Legislative Conference

A successful conference prepared family physicians for the upcoming 2008 elections and 81st Legislative Session. Not able to attend? Read what you missed and find out how to get involved. more …

Study: Fragmented delivery system brings about poor U.S. health care system

The U.S. health care system is in need of a major overhaul to re-organize resources and make it most effective for patients and physicians. Read what the Fund concluded. more …

AAFP guide helps physicians navigate the “Contracting Jungle”

Managed care contracts can seem like a never-ending maze without the right guidance. Find tips for your interactions with health plans with this members-only resource. more …

Study: Primary care shortage must be addressed before expansion of health insurance

Ensuring the country a robust primary care workforce trumps the discussion on health insurance expansion, according to a study by the National Association of Community Health Centers. more …

Plan a helmet giveaway during Brain Injury Awareness Month in October

TAFP members can sign up to receive 100 free bicycle helmets to distribute in their communities in the fall. Participate in this public safety program sponsored by the Texas Medical Association and take steps to protect the youth in your area. more …

Register online for the fall Day in the Life Cycle PrimeCME series

Don’t miss your chance to earn four CME hours for $25 when TAFP’s fall regional program comes to your city. If you enjoyed the spring Day in the Life Cycle programs, join us in Dallas, San Antonio or Houston for new speakers and new topics. more …

Earn two CME credits though interactive video CME, “Managing the Migraine Patient”

Effective pain management continues to challenge physicians as they balance between treatment and abuse. View this interactive video CME, a joint sponsorship product from TAFP and national headache experts, and step into Mary’s world to see how her migraines and treatment affect her life. more …

Attention Metroplex physicians: National DMEPOS Program has been delayed

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program has been delayed. more …

Annual Session revisited

The Art of Family Medicine dazzles Houston

The reviews are in! Read all about the splendor of the Art of Family Medicine, TAFP’s annual Texas family physician reunion, and view a slideshow of photos from the event. more …

New Medicare fee schedule available

With the 10.6-percent cut averted for now and a 0.5-percent increase on it’s way, take a look at the new fee schedule from Trailblazer and find out the next step for physician advocates. more …

HRSA halts proposed rule revising medically underserved areas

For now, HRSA had decided to postpone a new designation system that would have affected the most medically underserved areas in the country. more …

Federal rule limits access to resident loan repayment deferral program

Advocates say change could deter medical students from specialty

With tighter regulations in effect, most first-year residents will no longer be eligible to defer the accrual of interest on their loans. Submit your comments before Aug. 15. more …

Physicians who treat Medicaid patients could get incentive from HHSC pilot program

If you live in one of three Texas regions and treat Medicaid patients, you could be eligible for incentive payments through HHSC. more …

Find your ideal rural practice location through HealthFind 2008

Pack up the wagon and head over to Addison! Physicians and residents interested in rural practice can meet their match—best-matched community, that is—at HealthFind 2008 on Aug. 23. Communities from around the state will attend the conference to show you why you should consider practicing in their town. more …

AAFP update: Join AAFP in San Diego for Scientific Assembly

Also, check out changes in store for Family Practice Management

Pack up the wagon and head over to Addison! Physicians and residents interested in rural practice can meet their match—best-matched community, that is—at HealthFind 2008 on Aug. 23. Communities from around the state will attend the conference to show you why you should consider practicing in their town. more …

Register online for Primary Care Summit in October

Online registration is now available for Primary Care Summit Oct. 17-19. Get credit toward your Maintenance of Certification or learn about hot topics in family medicine through Saturday workshops and seminars. As always, a well-rounded CME program will give you the medical information for your practice. more …

Senate acts to avert Medicare cut

Back from the July 4 holiday, the bill to stave off a 10.6-percent cut in Medicare physician payment received the support it needed and is now on its way to the president. more …

Bush administration freezes Medicare physician pay cut

In the latest action to avert the scheduled 10.1-percent cut in physician Medicare reimbursements, the Bush administration announced that it will freeze all payments to physicians to give Congress time to pass a solution. more …

Senate votes down bill to delay Medicare cut

The bill to block a 10.6-percent cut in physician Medicare reimbursements did not receive enough votes to be brought up for debate. Could a compromise bill reach the Senate floor before the July 1 deadline? more …

Association serves as resource for Texas physicians and practices

How does your practice compare to other family medicine practices around the country? Find out how you stack up by accessing benchmarking data from the Medical Group Management Association. TAFP members can even receive a discount. more …

Number of underinsured balloons 60 percent, according to a study

According to a new study from The Commonwealth Fund, the uninsured population isn’t the only one to worry about. The group found that the number of underinsured adults in the United States has increased 60 percent since 2003. more …

Hone your leadership skills at TAFP Leadership and Legislative Conference

With the 81st Texas Legislature set to convene January 2009, there’s still time to brush up on your skills to promote the family medicine message and interact effectively with the media and lawmakers. Attend the TAFP Leadership and Legislative Conference Aug. 15-16 in Austin and increase your advocacy effort for the specialty. more …

Donate to a Houston charity clinic with Physicians With Heart

Proceeds from this year’s Physicians With Heart service project benefit the San José Clinic in Houston. Take advantage of your opportunity to give by making a monetary donation to the clinic through the Annual Session registration sheet or on the Physicians With Heart Web page. more …

Annual Session hotel deadline is July 1, make reservations today

Early Bird registration deadline extended to Friday, June 27

Take an Annual Session vacation by making a reservation at the host hotel, the Westin Galleria. Houstonians can eliminate morning and evening travel time by keeping CME, business meetings and special events under one roof, and out-of-town guests will be placed in the heart of Houston with easy access to a variety of amenities and the 350 shops of the Galleria mall. more …

AAFP calls on members to Speak Out against looming Medicare cut

Your Academy needs your voice in the fight to stop a 10.6-percent cut in Medicare physician payments. A bill will likely be introduced next week to block the cuts but it faces stout opposition. Your senators need to hear from you as soon as possible. more …

Report: Texas gets failing grade on scorecard for child health care

The results are in; compare Texas’ child health systems to other U.S. states and the Lone Star State ranks near the bottom according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund. more …

TMLT deciphers medical board jurisdiction in physician manual

Find the answers to your questions on how the Texas Medical Board functions through a new TMLT physicians’ guide and other resources available on TAFP’s Web site. more …

TAFP partnership brings summer savings on vaccines

Through a partnership with the vaccine purchasing program, Atlantic Health Partners, TAFP members can receive discounts on select sanofi pasteur vaccines. more …

Upgrade, enhance and revitalize your practice with AAFP three-step program

Are you looking for better ways to care for patients with chronic illnesses? Be one of 12 family medicine practices to participate in AAFP’s Texas-Oklahoma Practice Enhancement Forum. more …

Texas insurance premiums climb 10 times faster than wages

A recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Texas has experienced one of the nation’s fastest rates of increases in health insurance premiums. more …

Might the bubble burst for retail health clinics?

Once hailed as a can’t-lose business model for health care delivery, the Wall Street Journal reports that the boom of retail health clinics may bust after all. more …

Metroplex physicians must use Medicare-contracted suppliers for equipment starting July 1

Do you prescribe medical equipment such as oxygen or power wheelchairs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Verify your suppliers or you may lose Medicare reimbursement. more …

Two-year practice-redesign demonstration project concludes

Texas practice among “elite” of TransforMED

TransforMED never said changing physician practices would be easy, but after crossing the finish line, the 32 participating family medicine practices have learned from their successes and challenges and can pass their wisdom on to you. more …

Cleburne physician chosen to represent new physicians in AAFP Congress of Delegates

Lesca Hadley, M.D., received a voting seat on the AAFP governing board after successfully campaigning for the position during the National Conference of Special Constituencies. more …

Educate your patients with AAFP’s brochure, “What is a Family Physician?”

Promote your value within the American health care system by personalizing, printing and distributing a new marketing piece about family medicine, available free from AAFP. more …

Keep an eye on your mailbox for the TAFP 2008 Annual Session brochure

Signed and sealed, the 2008 TAFP Annual Session and Scientific Assembly brochure will be delivered to your mailbox soon. Find pertinent information on special events, the procedures workshop, seminars, business meetings and more. Register today by mail, fax or online. more …

American Lung Association presents the Texas COPD Statewide Summit

Physicians attending the first-ever Texas COPD Statewide Summit, to be held June 21 in Austin, will discuss efforts to prevent the disease and develop a comprehensive state plan to address COPD. There is no cost to attend. more …

Newsweek story on physician rankings features TAFP members

Two Metroplex family doctors got the chance to tell a Newsweek reporter about their experiences with physician ranking systems employed by health insurers. Read what they had to say. more …

Group releases guidelines for health insurers’ physician measurement and reporting

The Consumer-Purchaser Disclosure Project—an initiative that combines consumer, employer and labor organizations—released a set of guidelines to direct health insurers on “fair and reliable” ways to measure and report physician quality and cost to consumers. more …

TMB executive director to step down in August

After seven years of leading the Texas Medical Board, Executive Director Donald Patrick, M.D., J.D., has announced his retirement. more …

Cover the Uninsured Week, April 27-May 3, to raise awareness of the nation’s uninsured population

Physicians are already in the center of the health insurance debate, now there are resources and a national push to raise awareness of the uninsured and help these 47 million Americans get access to health coverage. Find out how you can join the effort. more …

Calling all researchers: Enter TAFP’s annual research poster competition

Deadline to submit an abstract is May 16

Promote family medicine research in your practice, residency program or school by entering the TAFP annual research poster competition. Past entrants have gone on to win national awards—don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this springboard at Annual Session in Houston. more …

Plan a helmet giveaway during Bike Month in May

The Texas Medical Association is spearheading a statewide effort to encourage bicycle safety during Bike Month. Participation can be free for TAFP/TMA members. more …

2008 residency match results reveal increases for family medicine

AAFP reports an increase in interest in family medicine in 2008. See the numbers from last week’s residency match. more …

News from the 2008 C. Frank Webber Lectureship

Family physicians unite to advance family medicine

Another C. Frank Webber Lectureship has come and gone. Now that we have some time to look around after a weekend full of activity, read about what you may have missed at TAFP’s spring symposium. more …

With Texas’ new franchise tax looming, is your practice prepared?

Business will be required to pay the first new franchise tax come May 15. Learn what exclusions and deductions may lessen the financial burden on your practice. more …

12 days remain to switch to tamper-resistant prescription pads

CMS to withhold Medicaid reimbursement for non-compliance

An HHSC question-and-answer document defines the new tamper-resistant prescription pad regulation and recommends switching to the new pads for all patients to avoid future confusion. more …

Receive hands-on procedural training with NPI in May

Don’t miss your opportunity to invest in yourself by bolstering your procedures training when the National Procedures Institute makes its one stop in Texas this year from May 9 -18. NPI will offer two-day workshops on a variety of procedures, which also earn attendees AAFP prescribed credit. more …

Support medicine-friendly candidates in Tuesday’s Texas primary election

The whole country has turned an eye to Texas’ March 4 primary. Be sure you voice your support for your patients and your practice by supporting medicine-friendly candidates. Also view TAFPPAC’s candidate endorsement videos. more …

HHS announces electronic health record incentive demonstration

Recognizing the potential for saving money and increasing quality of care for patients, HHS will give primary care physicians incentives for implementing and using an EHR. more …

Access immunization resources for physician and patient education

The Department of State Health Services has compiled many immunization resources to educate physicians and their patients about immunizations and their implications in lifelong care. more …

Help shape TMA’s legislative agenda on rural health by attending April forum

TMA will host a rural health summit in Austin on April 5 to bring rural health advocates together to form an advocacy package for the 2009 legislative session. Find out how you can join the discussion. more …

TMLT offers $5,000 scholarships to Texas medical students

Through June, TMLT will accept scholarship applications for its annual TMLT Memorial Scholarship. more …

Earn four CME hours with PrimeCME’s new three-city series, “A Day in the Life Cycle”

With the understanding that primary care physicians provide continuous, comprehensive care to patients throughout all stages of their lives, PrimeCME offers a four-hour program, “A Day in the Life Cycle.” Join us in San Antonio April 19, Dallas April 26, or Houston May 10. more …

Earn 28 AAFP EB CME Credits at April CME conference

Houston meeting to focus on women’s health care

Through a two-day, 24-topic curriculum, attendees of the Women’s Healthcare Forum will receive a comprehensive overview of women’s health care. more …

AAFP issues Action Alert on Medicare payment

AAFP has launched the “Medicare: Stop the Cut” campaign to provide members resources to combat a scheduled 10.6-percent Medicare payment cut, set to take effect July 1. Find the tools for you and your patients here. more …

Legislature requires umbilical cord blood donation brochure in physician’s offices

If you care for women at any time during their pregnancies, you may be required to provide them a DSHS brochure. more …

Physician enrollment now open in new health plan for children in foster care

HHSC has opened enrollment for STAR Health, the new health plan for children in foster care. Find more information on how you can enroll. more …

Up to $200,000 available to support community obesity prevention programs

Apply before Feb. 29 to be one of four Texas communities to receive DSHS grant support for obesity
initiatives. more …

Get answers to your practice management questions through new TAFP partnership

Do you have questions about billing and coding? Managed care contracts? Take advantage of a new partnership with Bradley Reiner, a practice management consultant with more than 15 years of experience under his belt. more …

New Medicare fees posted at TrailBlazerhealth.com

The 0.5-percent Medicare fee increase Congress passed in late December turns out to be a reduction for many codes used by primary care physicians. more …

Spring deadline holds for implementing Medicaid tamper-resistant prescription pads

Starting April 1, 2008, all Medicaid prescriptions must be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads.
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DSHS offers up to $10,000 in grants for medical home initiatives

To encourage primary care physicians to coordinate care for the neediest Texas children, DSHS will grant family medicine practices up to $10,000 each. more …

Medicaid to reimburse for group chronic disease management

Implementing group visits for Medicaid patients can help them manage their chronic disease and pay off for your practice. more …

Majority of primary care physicians “disappointed” with net income

Consulting firm releases 2007 primary care physician survey results

Though the latest primary care physician satisfaction survey came back with some doom-and-gloom results, the surveyors conclude that demand for primary care is increasing and primary care is “under no immediate threat of extinction.” more …

TAFP defines the “medical home” concept in third Academy in Action video

What does the term “medical home” mean to you? Could you tell a reporter what it means in 20 words? Watch the latest Academy in Action video to learn about the medical home and its benefits and implications on your practice. more …

Save money on vaccines

TAFP develops partnership to bring members savings

Register with vaccine purchasing program Atlantic Health Partners to cash in on favorable pricing, payment and purchasing terms on a variety of vaccines. Registration is free, and with Atlantic, you’ll have a family medicine-friendly advocate working directly with the big vaccine manufacturers and payers so you can get back to your practice. more …

Nominate an outstanding colleague for a 2008 TAFP award

It’s that time again—send your nominations for Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, Public Health and Exemplary teaching awards to recognize outstanding family physicians in Texas. more …

TAFP calls for representatives to AAFP leadership conferences

Apply to represent Texas at AAFP’s NCSC and ALF conferences where you can develop policy and programs and hone your leadership skills. more …

DSHS releases latest updates on vaccines

Read the UpShot Online, an electronic publication from the Texas Department of State Health Services, for Texas immunization news. more …

TAFP members: Earn 10 CME credits for $60 or less at the C. Frank Webber Lectureship

Join TAFP March 14-15 in Austin for the 2008 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. It’s a great opportunity to earn CME, network with peers and make your mark in the specialty. There’s also information for students and residents on the conference just for you. more …

In the news 2007

Read all the news stories from 2007.

In the news 2006

Read all the news stories from 2006.

In the news 2005

Read all the news stories from 2005.